Environmental Impact

Clean Technology

"We can use coal, this incredibly valuable energy resource, more efficiently, more effectively, and in a more environmentally-friendly manner. And we can do it today."

The CoalTek process addresses a vexing problem facing the United States and the world: coal is a cheap and abundant fuel source but it is environmentally undesirable. In fact, while about 55% of the electricity generated in the United States comes from coal-fired generators, so does a great deal of harmful sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. SO2 is believed to be the main cause of acid rain that enters our atmosphere each year.

Cleaning Up Coal Two Ways

CoalTek's breakthrough technology helps provide cleaner coal in two ways:

  • It allows plant operators to use a naturally cleaner type of coal that has not been a good option in the past.
  • The CoalTek process also reduces pollutants in all types of coal.

Sub-bituminous coals, like those mined in the Powder River Basin, are generally too low in BTUs (a measure of energy density.) Despite having lower levels of key pollutants, this low energy density makes these coals less attractive. With its patent-pending process, CoalTek makes this abundant natural resource a viable option by boosting the coal's energy density from approximately 8,800 to 11,000 BTU/lb.

In essence, the process takes so-called "low quality" coal with a high environmental profile and improves its energy density to make a superior fuel at a competitive price.

The CoalTek pre-burn process can markedly reduce levels of chemicals proven to contribute to increasing air pollution. Both sulfur and ash content can be reduced so much that emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter at the burn site can drop by as much as 50%.

Moving Toward Cleaner Energy Sources

Until non-carbon based technologies can step up and provide the majority of the nation's energy needs, CoalTek's process can help provide a solution for both our growing demand and the environment.

"It's important to apply incremental technologies like the CoalTek solution today to help avert potential energy and environmental crises tomorrow," said Christopher Poirier, President and CEO of CoalTek. "We need to deliver cleaner technologies that support today's baseload, dispatchable power demand, so that we can continue to invest in and develop sea-change technologies that can deliver a truly independent and renewable energy future."